Antiques Roadshow comes to the UK Parliament
8 June 2018
The UK Parliament hosted pioneering women and their families on the Parliamentary Estate to film a special episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow.
The episode, due to be aired this Sunday 10 June at 8pm on BBC One, features stories from former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd as well featuring remarkable women in politics, art, sport, and many other fields.
2018 marks 100 years since the Representation of the People Act 1918 extended the right to vote to all men over 21 and the first women, making this one of the most important centenaries in British democratic history. Ten years later, the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928, gave all men and women over 21 the right to vote. 2018 is therefore an ideal time to celebrate the achievements and impact of these women.
Voice and Vote exhibition
On June 27, Parliament will open its Voice and Vote exhibition in Westminster Hall. Featuring rare and previously unseen historic objects, pictures and archives with immersive and interactive technologies, the exhibition will cover the campaign for votes for women and the representation of women in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Among the exhibits will be the Alice Hawkins collection of suffragette memorabilia, as highlighted on the Antiques Roadshow by Peter Barratt, Alice Hawkins' great-grandson.
What is EqualiTeas?
EqualiTeas, which gives people across the UK the chance to share, debate, and celebrate what democratic equality means to them over a cup of tea, will take place between 18 June and 2 July, 2018.
Historically, tea parties were hotbeds of political activism. It was one of the few ways women could meet without men to discuss and plan. The leading suffrage organisations used tea parties and tea shops as central elements in their campaigning. They were excellent spaces to increase awareness, discuss tactics and raise money.
A diverse range of organisations are official partners, including, Young Women's Trust, Action with Communities In Rural England, Historic Royal Palaces, Adult Learning within Reach and Girlguiding across the UK. Their support will help to engage people in our democratic history and processes.
Further Information
Find out more about the UK Parliament's Vote 100 engagement activities.